'Significant depression risk' for young fathers

14/04/2014

Much has been written about postpartum depression in mothers, but new research suggests young fathers are also at risk of developing the condition following the birth of their child. A study carried out by Northwestern Medicine revealed that depressive symptoms among fathers who were 25 when their infant was born increased by 68 per cent on average during the first five years of fatherhood. These increased incidences of depressive episodes occurred more readily in those who lived with their children. The study concluded that men who did not cohabit with their offspring had less of an increase in psychological problems following the birth of their child, although they experienced anxiety prior to the baby being born. Lead author of the study Professor Craig Garfield suggested that it is an important issue that needs to be addressed. 'Parental depression has a detrimental effect on kids, especially during those first key years of parent-infant attachment. We need to do a better job of helping young dads transition through that time period,' he said. The study is a comprehensive one as the authors used data from 10,623 young men who enrolled in the National Longitudal Study of Adolescent Health to reach its conclusions. Professor Garfield suggested that lessons can be learnt from the research and hinted that anyone who knows a young father should look out for them. He said that if a man who has recently become a dad 'is feeling extreme anxiety or blues, or not able to enjoy things in life as he previously did, [friends and relatives should] encourage him to get help'. In 2010, a study by the UK Medical Research Council in conjunction with University College London revealed 21 per cent of fathers reported experiencing a depressive episode compared to 39 per cent of mothers. The authors concluded that both men and women can be significantly affected by the lack of sleep and increased sense of responsibility that comes with having a child.

NetDoctor, part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network
Netdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.